Help Please! The Definitive Litopia Writers’ Reading List

[Jeanette]

Username: Jeanette

Book Title Point of View

Author Sandra Gerth

Summary of the Book A clear, informative guide to the different types of POV with tips on choosing the best POV for your own manuscript. Offers exercises focused either on your work in progress or on a published book.

What You Learned From It I saw how to mix some POV, how and why to avoid head-hopping and picked up tips on internal monologue.

 

[Jeanette]

Username: Jeanette

Book Title Show Don't Tell

Author Sandra Gerth

Summary of the Book Defines and illustrates the strategy. Explains the importance, art and limit of showing; also lists the uses of telling. Offers exercises and proposes solutions for some of them.

What You Learned From It I learned that 'telling' comes naturally to me but 'showing' much less so. This book is one I return to time and time again while I'm revising what I've written.

 

[Hannah F]

How interesting that we, a small group (in global terms), use such a wide variety of how-to's. Horses for courses, I guess.

 

[Rich.]

It is interesting. The how-to-write industry is large and thriving, which does make me wonder if it's the metaphorical horse that's important -- that is, the voice that's explaining, rather than what's being explained.

Maybe there isn't actually all that much to explain, not to a beginner, anyway. But there are lots of ways to explain it, hence the huge number of craft books out there.

 

[Rachael Burnett]

Username: Rachael Burnett

Book Title Blurb Your Enthusiasm: An A to Z of Literary Persuasion

Author Lousie Willder

Summary of the Book How different blurbs work in different genres from an insider in the business (Willder is a Penguin books blurb writer). Lots of great examples in each genre in terms of what does and doesn't work and why. Willder argues every word matters in a blurb, and so each has to count. Thus, she offers way to do this.

What You Learned From It How to write a successful blurb from an experienced blurb writer. That is, what will appeal to readers in different genres and why. Use of specific words and phrases that attract readers. The multitude of different examples proved helpful as comparisons to craft your own blurb. As the book is written with humour, it's easy to read. You can also flick to different sections as per the genre you're working in, but I'd recommend you read the whole books to get the full picture.

 

[AgentPete]

It is interesting. The how-to-write industry is large and thriving...

Told ya so

 

[Rachael Burnett]

Username: Rachael Burnett

Book Title The Dictionary of Body Language

Author Joe Navarro

Summary of the Book Not a writing book per say, but an invaluable text for writers. That is, it's dictionary structure means you can flick to a section and read about a specific body part you want to write about and read authentic body language positions/movements, etc. for each character. For example, you might might want to write about a character's eye, head, hand, etc. movement, the text allows you to learn authentic, non-cliched body language. Written by a ex-FBI agent, it is easy to read and invaluable for adding layers of authentic 'show' to characters. Works well with Navarro's first book What Every Body is Saying (a more detailed account of body language with illustrations).

What You Learned From It Genuine body language that can be adapted to different characters for accurate emotion and thus characterisation. Rather than relying on the usual cliches in body language for characters, this book elevates and authenticates body language, movement, and thus emotion that 'shows' rather than 'tells' the reader in a believable manner. Easy to use both via the chapter headings and the detailed index to research each different part of the body. This is one book I would not be without as a writer.

 

[Rich.]

Told ya so

Great article. I hadn't read it before. This was refreshing to hear:

By suggesting that anyone can write a bestseller, we denigrate those few and precious talents who actually do.​

Another thing the how-to books do, particularly if you're wrestling with that immobilising fear many of us are familiar with, is that they give you something to do other than write. Writers like writing (sometimes), and they also like thinking and talking and reading about writing. So craft books are also a fun distraction from doing the actual work we are (I am) afraid of doing.

 

[E G Logan]

Username: Robinne Weiss

Book Title Write the Fight Right

Author Alan Baxter

What You Learned From It I learned how to realistically give my characters challenging odds in fights. I also learned how to make a fight scene rich in detail without focusing on the blow-by-blow of a fight. Most importantly, I learned that the key to a fight is the emotional reactions of the characters--how the characters experience and emotionally process the fight is more important than the mechanics of the conflict itself. I also learned how to realistically address the aftermath of a fight--the broken hands, concussions, emotional turmoil--rather than have my characters bounce right back as though nothing happened.

You know, you got a LOT more out of this than I did. (Maybe I should go back to it; it's on my Kindle.)
I do remember that the author irked me with the way he plugged his self-defence classes. BUT I did take in that it simply isn't feasible for the average female*, without specialist training, to take on an average man – say a stranger who jumps out at her in the street – and win. Or even survive. His advice was launch one blow at tender spot(s), then run like hell... which is what I would always have my female character do now in that situation. (Unless she's a Villanelle type.)
And, yes, lots of details about fights that I had no idea whatsoever about (I don't do much brawling) so in the end it was definitely useful.

how to make a fight scene rich in detail without focusing on the blow-by-blow of a fight.

Yes, absolutely that. Very clever, very simple, and it's absolutely the answer.

[*These categories are the author's, not mine. He explained this was simply based on relative size and strength.]

 

[Trey]

Username: Trey

Book Title Talking Books

Author James Carter

Summary of the Book Various children's authors talk about craft and how they became professional authors.

What You Learned From It That it was possible to be a writer without being a god. It is a cherished book that sparked the possibility of being a writer for me.

 

[Pamela Jo]

You know, you got a LOT more out of this than I did. (Maybe I should go back to it; it's on my Kindle.)
I do remember that the author irked me with the way he plugged his self-defence classes. BUT I did take in that it simply isn't feasible for the average female*, without specialist training, to take on an average man – say a stranger who jumps out at her in the street – and win. Or even survive. His advice was launch one blow at tender spot(s), then run like hell... which is what I would always have my female character do now in that situation. (Unless she's a Villanelle type.)
And, yes, lots of details about fights that I had no idea whatsoever about (I don't do much brawling) so in the end it was definitely useful.

Yes, absolutely that. Very clever, very simple, and it's absolutely the answer.

[*These categories are the author's, not mine. He explained this was simply based on relative size and strength.]

You know that advice to launch a blow at a tender spot and run like hell goes for guys too. I think the best self defense is always Avoid ense.

 

[Pamela Jo]

Username: Pamela Jo

Book Title Stein on Writing

Author Sol Stein

Summary of the Book recommended by TYM. "This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions--how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place." With examples from bestsellers as well as from students' drafts, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, trimming away flabby wording, the so-called "triage" method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.

What You Learned From It I got this in audio and it is like being called into the editors office and being told what goes, what stays. He talks about good writing, higher writing, yes. But always making it clear that you gotta get bums on seats,
too.

 

[Pamela Jo]

Username: Pamela Jo

Book Title Pity the Reder: On Writing With Style

Author Kurt Vonnegut and Suzanne Connell , a student of his

Summary of the Book Best quote I could find.
"As both biography and artifact, Pity the Reader is priceless. But the practical guidelines on writing well are themselves worth the price of admission, even for those of us who do not write fiction. Indeed, many aspiring writers pay good money for the kind of advice and insight contained herein, not least of all in the form of tuition at any of the world’s many MFA programs."

What You Learned From It I learned to have pity on the poor reader. who is expected to shell out what they might make in a day on a book. You owe them their moneys worth. Vonnegut learned his craft from magazine editors when you could make a living if you could write a good story with a beginning, middle and end. Basic message- no point in being arty if nobody reads you.

 

[Hannah F]

Username: Rachael Burnett

Book Title The Dictionary of Body Language

Author Joe Navarro

Summary of the Book Not a writing book per say, but an invaluable text for writers. That is, it's dictionary structure means you can flick to a section and read about a specific body part you want to write about and read authentic body language positions/movements, etc. for each character. For example, you might might want to write about a character's eye, head, hand, etc. movement, the text allows you to learn authentic, non-cliched body language. Written by a ex-FBI agent, it is easy to read and invaluable for adding layers of authentic 'show' to characters. Works well with Navarro's first book What Every Body is Saying (a more detailed account of body language with illustrations).

What You Learned From It Genuine body language that can be adapted to different characters for accurate emotion and thus characterisation. Rather than relying on the usual cliches in body language for characters, this book elevates and authenticates body language, movement, and thus emotion that 'shows' rather than 'tells' the reader in a believable manner. Easy to use both via the chapter headings and the detailed index to research each different part of the body. This is one book I would not be without as a writer.

I think it's the first one I've read if that's the one that has illustrations of all the facial expressions.

 

[Hannah F]

And then there's the piece of the puzzle, the icing on the cake, the piece de resistance that no how-to book will teach you. The bit that is you and uniquely you. The soul you must take out of yourself for a while so it can spill its joys and tears onto the page.

 

[Pamela Jo]

I think it's the first one I've read if that's the one that has illustrations of all the facial expressions.

I have that one too. He's the former FBI agent. On You tube there is also videos by FBI on how to read faces.

 

[Pamela Jo]

Username: Pamela Jo

Book Title The Emotional Craft of Fiction (How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface)

Author Donald Maass

Summary of the Book What it says on the tin. I bought a print copy because the audible version made me crazy. The actor reading it had such an ACTORLY way of reading the examples. This is for anyone and everyone who needs to write better cookies.

What You Learned From It Sure helps with figuring out the "emotional arc of a character." If you ever had an agent tell you that you need one of those-this book. My characters tended to resemble my midwestern family. "Welp. Since the tornado blew away the barn and the flood drowned all the livestock, guess I can sleep in, in the morning."

 

[Pamela Jo]

Username: Pamela Jo

Book Title emotions revealed (recognising faces and feelings to improve communication and emotional life)

Author Paul Ekman

Summary of the Book This is a psychologists POV of people and emotions. My book has a new chapter on emotions and lying. Not so much body language but how different people deal with feelings.

What You Learned From It If you need to draw a fearful character or a violent character or one conflicted this gives an overview of what's going on inside.

 

[Pamela Jo]

Username: Pamela Jo

Book Title Games People Play

Author Eric Berrne

Summary of the Book This is the second book he wrote on transactional analysis. The first, " I'm Ok , You're OK" is the model my Aunt and Uncle used at the Larned State Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane. It reveals hidden motivations behind inexplicable actions.

What You Learned From It It aids writing a believable hero or villain but also this book helps me understand my own motivations. Reminding myself there is a parent, child, and adult in my head at all times means I can move from inner-creative, past negative voices, to a neutral objective inner editor when rewriting.

 

[Mel L]

Username: Mel L

Book Title Story - substance, structure, style and the principles of screenwriting

Author Robert McKee

Summary of the Book An oft-quoted reference for screenwriting, this book delves deep into story as a metaphor for life. McKee's analysis of film structure is hugely insightful for novelists. He explores genre, character, theme and exposition in terms that are clear and thought-provoking. Beyond a 'how to' guide, this is a reference book that deserves its place on a writer's shelf.

What You Learned From It The art of story is universal. The same set of skills a writer uses to bring a story to the screen also strengthen our craft in writing fiction and other narratives.

 

[Rachael Burnett]

I think it's the first one I've read if that's the one that has illustrations of all the facial expressions.

Yes, his first book has lots of line drawing. I prefer the dictionary as it’s searchable and easy to dip into.

 

[AgentPete]

Will be locking this down and turning it into our 2024 definitive list, on the main website, in another day or two... final call for entries, please! p.

 

[Claire G]

Username: Claire G

Book Title The Conflict Thesaurus

Author Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Summary of the Book A breakdown of types of conflicts for your story and potential fall-outs for characters. Useful for sparking your imagination early in the creative process or if you feel that the stakes aren't high enough when you're writing.

What You Learned From It It opened my mind to different ideas and consequences.

 

[Claire G]

Username: Claire G

Book Title The Emotion Thesaurus

Author Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Summary of the Book A great one to dip in and out of if you find yourself repeating yourself in terms of showing-not-telling emotions. Gives lots of examples.

What You Learned From It Ideas to avoid repetition and alternative ways to say the same things if emotional reactions are repeated through the story.

 

[Claire G]

Username: Claire G

Book Title The Positive Trait Thesaurus

Author Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Summary of the Book Lists character traits to help you generate different types of characters and how these traits might manifest. Useful in conjunction with The Negative Trait Thesaurus by the same authors.

What You Learned From It Helped me to write characters with more depth and think of a wider range of character types for my books.

 

[Claire G]

Username: Claire G

Book Title The Negative Trait Thesaurus

Author Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Summary of the Book Lists character traits to help you generate different types of characters and how these traits might manifest. Useful in conjunction with The Positive Trait Thesaurus.

What You Learned From It Helped me to write characters with more depth and think of a wider range of character types for my books.

 

[Rich.]

Username: Rich.

Book Title The Hero With A Thousand Faces

Author Joseph Campbell

Summary of the Book First published in 1949, this dense, sometimes impenetrable, and somewhat controversial book on comparative mythology takes a tour through world folklore to tease out common themes and archetypes.

What You Learned From It What George Lucas was thinking when he wrote Star Wars. If you want to understand Hollywood's obsession with this mode of storytelling, you should read this book. If you've heard other writers talk/evangelize/fret about the "Hero's Journey" and you're not exactly sure what they're talking about, you should read this book. If you have even the most passing interest in commercial Western storytelling, you should read this book.

 

[Rich.]

Username: Rich.

Book Title The Writer's Journey

Author Christopher Vogler

Summary of the Book This is Hollywood story consultant Vogler's distillation of Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces. That is, it's a book on comparative mythology turned into a writing manual about the "Hero's Journey".

What You Learned From It See description in previous post of Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces.

 

[Liz Brown]

Username: Liz Brown

Book Title Negotiating With The Dead

Author Margaret Atwood

Summary of the Book A collection of essays by a renowned writer on aspects of writing theory and how she became a writer. Entertaining and informative especially if you are already an Atwood fan.

What You Learned From It This isn't a 'how to write' book - it is about 'writing' in a far more general sense. It gave me plenty of food for thought.

 

[Liz Brown]

Username: Liz Brown

Book Title Writing Historical Fiction

Author Emma Darwin

Summary of the Book A beginners' guide to writing historical fiction which draws on the material in her coaching sessions and lectures: characters, plot structure, research, using your senses to recreate the past and psychic distance. There are plenty of examples and exercises.

What You Learned From It I still dip into this book if I'm stuck in my writing or need some inspiration. It's practical rather than theoretical which works for me.